State Preschool Program

Overview

Michigan first developed the Michigan School Readiness Program (MSRP) as a pilot program in 1985. Since that time, it has grown to a nearly $85 million program serving nearly 25,000 children in 2004-2005 (19% of four-year-olds), although enrollment dropped to 21,571 (16% of four-year-olds) in 2005-2006. It provides prekindergarten services to four-year-old children who are educationally disadvantaged, half of whom must come from low-income families. Children may receive services either directly from a school district or through a public or private provider who has either subcontracted with a public school or received a competitive MSRP grant. Most programs are center-based, although some providers offer home-based services.

State Policy

The statute authorizing funding for the MSRP program cites the need to fund preschool in order to "improve the readiness and subsequent achievement of educationally disadvantaged children for the MSRP program." The manual for implementation of the school readiness program cites the growing body of research indicating that children who are provided with a high-quality preschool experience show significant developmental improvements.

Eligibility Criteria

Children must be found educationally disadvantaged to be eligible for the MSRP program. This is defined as four-year-olds showing evidence of two or more out of twenty-five risk factors enumerated by the state board of education. Risk factors include low family income, low birth weight, English as a second language, and incarcerated parent. At least half of participating children must live with families whose income does not exceed 250% of the federal poverty level.

Program Length/Duration

Center-based programs must provide sessions of a minimum of two and one half hours of teacher/child interaction per day for at least four days per week for a minimum of 30 weeks. Providers also may offer full-day programs, four days a week, for a minimum of 30 weeks. Programs also have the option of offering full-day programs for only two days a week.

There are also provisions for home-based programs, which are required to provide a minimum of 20 home visits to each family during the first year of operation and a minimum of 30 home visits for each continuing year. In 2001, additional funds were provided for full-day and wrap-around programming. These funds have been eliminated, but programs that provide full-day services receive funding priority.

Funding

There are two funding streams for this program. School districts receive funding on a formula basis based on the number of eligible children in the district. For 2007-2008, the legislature has appropriated $80.9 million annually for school district programs. There is also a competitive grant system that has been allocated $12.7 million for 2007-2008 for MSRP services provided by public and private child care centers and agencies. The state provides $3,400 per pupil for a half-day program and $6,800 for a full-day (four day) program .

Quality Standards

Michigan's MSRP scores a rating of six out of ten on the National Institute for Early Education Research’s (NIEER) national survey of quality standards. Michigan has state board approved quality standards for early childhood programs that meet NIEER’s benchmark for comprehensive early learning standards.

Michigan requires teachers in school district MSRP programs to have a bachelor’s degree and early childhood endorsement. Teachers in center-based programs are also required to have a bachelor’s degree in child development, specializing in preschool. Assistant teachers in either setting are required to have a CDA or equivalent training.

Michigan requires a staff-child ratio of 1 to 8 and caps class size at 18. It requires medical and social service referrals but does not meet the NIEER benchmark because it does not require vision, hearing and health screenings. The MSRP program also does not require providers to offer a meal to preschoolers, and does not require site visits for monitoring.

Delivery of Preschool Services

The majority of funding for Michigan’s preschool program flows to public school districts through the school funding formula, although districts may contract with local providers to provide the MSRP program. In addition to district programs, public and private agencies may apply directly to the state for competitive grants to run MSRP programs. As noted above, private providers do not have to meet the same teacher qualification standard.

Requirements for Student Assessment and Program Evaluation

The Michigan MSRP program provides for at least annual review to ensure implementation of all program components and an assessment of the readiness and progress through first grade of children participating in the school readiness program. Child assessment should be conducted three times a year. The state also funds an on-going longitudinal study of program participants.

Education Clause in State Constitution

Michigan’s constitution provides "the legislature shall maintain and support a system of free public elementary and secondary schools as defined by law."

Summary of Case Law on School Finance System

In the first Michigan school finance case, Milliken v. Green, the Supreme Court had originally found education to be a fundamental right. However, that decision was vacated following a United States Supreme Court ruling that education was not a fundamental right under the U.S. Constitution. In 1984, the Michigan Court of Appeals ruled that education was not a fundamental right under the state equal protection clause, and found there was no right to equal funding for all school districts. However, the Court of Appeals did acknowledge the state’s constitutional obligation to provide a free public education and noted that the plaintiffs had not alleged that students were denied an adequate education measured by any standard.

Summary of Case Law on Preschool

None of the cases have addressed preschool.

Constitutional Provisions on Public Education

M.C.L. Const. Art. VIII, § 1

Religion, morality and knowledge being necessary to good government and the happiness of mankind, schools and the means of education shall forever be encouraged.

M.C.L. Const. Art. VIII, § 2

The legislature shall maintain and support a system of free public elementary and secondary schools as defined by law. Every school district shall provide for the education of its pupils without discrimination as to religion, creed, race, color or national origin.

Case Law on the Right to Public Education and Preschool

Is Education a Fundamental Right under the State Constitution?

In East Jackson Public Schools v. Michigan, 133 Mich. App. 132, 137-38, 348 N.W.2d 303, 305 (Mich. Ct. App. 1984), the Michigan Court of Appeals found that "[e]ducation is not a fundamental right under Michigan’s Constitution …." However, this case was decided in the framework of an equal protection analysis and was focused exclusively on equality of funding, not adequacy. In fact, the Court recognized a state obligation to provide a free public education and noted that "[t]here is no allegation that any pupil has been or will be deprived of an opportunity for a free public education, or of an adequate opportunity for education. . . . [t]here is no allegation that any school district fails to provide its students with an adequate education measured by any standard."

This case followed Milliken v. Green, 390 Mich. 389, 212 N.W.2d 711 (1973), vacating 389 Mich. 1, 203 N.W.2d 457 (1972). In Milliken, the Michigan Supreme Court had originally ruled that education is a fundamental right under the federal constitution, but shortly after the United States Supreme Court’s decision in San Antonio v. Rodriguez, 411 U.S. 1 (1973), ruling that the federal constitution does not recognize such a right, the Michigan Supreme Court vacated its opinion and held that education is not a fundamental right under federal law.

School Finance Cases in Favor of Plaintiffs:

None.

Standard for a Constitutionally Adequate Education:

None.

School Finance Cases against Plaintiffs:

Milliken v. Green, 390 Mich. 389, 212 N.W.2d 711, 721 (1973)
The Michigan Supreme Court rejected plaintiffs’ claim that the state’s system of school finance, which resulted in inequality in per-pupil expenditure among districts, violated the equal protection clause of the state constitution.

East Jackson Public Schools v. State of Michigan, 133 Mich. App. 132, 348 N.W.2d 303 (Mich. Ct. App. 1984)
Twenty school districts and their respective students brought an action challenging the state’s system of school finance. The Michigan Court of Appeals held that education is not a fundamental right under the state constitution, that the state's obligation to provide a system of free public education is "not synonymous with an obligation to provide equal per student funding between districts," and that the school financing system did not deny the students equal protection of the laws. This case clearly left the door open for an adequacy claim. The Court recognized a state obligation to provide a basic education and noted that "[t]here is no allegation that any pupil has been or will be deprived of an opportunity for a free public education, or of an adequate opportunity for education. . . . [t]here is no allegation that any school district fails to provide its students with an adequate education measured by any standard."

Decisions Ruling School Finance Issues Were Non-Justiciable:

None.

Cases Related to State-Funded Preschool:

None.

Pending School Finance Cases:

None.

Statutes, Regulations and Guidance Documents on State Preschool Program

Michigan Compiled Laws (M.C.L.) § 388.1632d, School Readiness Grants

Michigan Compiled Laws (M.C.L.) § 388.1632l, Allocation for competitive school readiness program grants

Michigan Compiled Laws (M.C.L.) § 388.1637 et seq., School Readiness Program

See also:

Michigan State Department of Education, Michigan School Readiness Program Implementation Manual (2007) (cited below as MSRP Implementation Manual).

Early Childhood Standards of Quality for Prekindergarten (March 2005) (cited below as "MDE Standards of Quality")

Provisions Expressing State Policy on Preschool:

M.C.L. § 388.1632d(1)(a) provides that the state's purpose in funding comprehensive preschool is to "[i]mprove the readiness and subsequent achievement of educationally disadvantaged children."

MSRP Implementation Manual:

Eligibility Criteria for State Preschool Program:

State Aid (Formula) Grant Program

M.C.L. § 388.1632d(1)(a). . . . educationally disadvantaged children as defined by the department who will be at least 4, but less than 5 years of age, as of December 1 of the school year in which the programs are offered, and who show evidence of 2 or more risk factors as defined in the state board report entitled "children at risk" that was adopted by the state board on April 5, 1988.

The risk factors are listed in the MSRP Implementation Manual:

1. LOW BIRTH WEIGHT

2. DEVELOPMENTALLY IMMATURE

3. PHYSICAL AND/OR SEXUAL ABUSE AND NEGLECT

4. NUTRITIONALLY DEFICIENT

5. LONG-TERM OR CHRONIC ILLNESS

6. DIAGNOSED HANDICAPPING CONDITION (main streamed)

7. LACK OF STABLE SUPPORT SYSTEM OF RESIDENCE

8. DESTRUCTIVE OR VIOLENT TEMPERAMENT

9. SUBSTANCE ABUSE OR ADDICTION

10. LANGUAGE DEFICIENCY OR IMMATURITY

11. NON-ENGLISH OR LIMITED ENGLISH SPEAKING HOUSEHOLD

12. FAMILY HISTORY OF LOW SCHOOL ACHIEVEMENT OR DROPOUT

13. FAMILY HISTORY OF DELINQUENCY

14. FAMILY HISTORY OF DIAGNOSED FAMILY PROBLEMS

15. LOW PARENT/SIBLING EDUCATIONAL ATTAINMENT OR ILLITERACY

16. SINGLE PARENT

17. UNEMPLOYED PARENT/PARENTS

18. LOW FAMILY INCOME

19. FAMILY DENSITY

20. PARENTAL/SIBLING LOSS BY DEATH OR PARENTAL LOSS BY DIVORCE

21. TEENAGE PARENT

22. CHRONICALLY ILL PARENT/SIBLING (physical, mental or emotional)

23. INCARCERATED PARENT

24. HOUSING IN RURAL OR SEGREGATED AREA

25. OTHER –

M.C.L. § 388.1637(3). . . . The final application [for approval of funding allocation authorized under M.C.L. § 388.1632d] shall indicate all of the following that apply:

. . . (g). More than 50% of the children participating in the program live with families with a household income that is equal to or less than 250% of the federal poverty level.

Competitive Grant Program

M.C.L. § 388.1632I

(1) … (d) The superintendent shall award the grants and shall give priority for awarding the grants based upon the following criteria:

… (vii) The extent to which these funds will be targeted to children who will be at least 4, but less than 5, years of age as of December 1 of the year in which the programs are offered and who show evidence of 2 or more "at-risk" factors as defined in the state board report entitled "children at risk" that was adopted by the state board on April 5, 1988.

[Note: The risk factors are the same ones listed above, from the MSRP Implementation Manual.]

… (2) To be eligible for a grant under this section, a program shall demonstrate that more than 50% of the children participating in the program live with families with a household income that is less than or equal to 250% of the federal poverty level.

Program Length/Duration:

State Aid (Formula) Grant Program

M.C.L. § 388.1639.

(3) A district that offers supplementary day care funded by funds other than those received under this section and therefore offers full-day programs as part of its early childhood development program shall receive priority in the allocation of funds under this section over other eligible districts other than those districts funded under subsection (2).

… (6) For a district that enrolls pupils in a full-day program under section 32d, each child enrolled in the full-day program shall be counted as 2 children served by the program for purposes of determining the number of children to be served and for determining the allocation under section 32d. A district's allocation shall not be increased solely on the basis of providing a full-day program.

(7) As used in this section, "full-day program" means a program that operates for at least the same length of day as the district's first grade program for a minimum of 4 days per week, 30 weeks per year. A classroom that offers a full-day program must enroll all children for the full day to be considered a full-day program.

Competitive Grant Program

M.C.L. § 388.1632l

(1) … (d) The superintendent shall award the grants and shall give priority for awarding the grants based upon the following criteria:

… (viii) The program offers supplementary day care and thereby offers full-day programs as part of its early childhood development program.

… (4) For a grant recipient that enrolls pupils in a full-day program funded under this section, each child enrolled in the full-day program shall be counted as 2 children served by the program for purposes of determining the number of children to be served and for determining the amount of the grant award. A grant award shall not be increased solely on the basis of providing a full-day program. As used in this subsection, "full-day program" means a program that operates for at least the same length of day as a district’s first grade program for a minimum of 4 days per week, 30 weeks per year. A classroom that offers a full-day program must enroll all children for the full day to be considered a full-day program.

Both Programs

MSRP Implementation Manual:

A. Half-Day Preschool Programs

1. Must meet for a minimum of 2.5 hours per day teacher/child interaction or contact time per day for at least four days per week for a minimum of 30 consecutive weeks to include a minimum of 300 teacher/child contact hours.

B. All-Day/Alternate-Day Preschool Programs

1. Typically, an All-Day/Alternate-Day (full-day, two days per week) preschool program is offered when the grantee is attempting to coordinate staff or space with an All-Day/Alternate-Day kindergarten program.

… 5. All-Day/Alternate-Day preschool programs for four-year-old children must include a minimum of 300 teacher/child contact hours spread over the full school year except first year programs which must provide 200 contact hours.

6. All-Day/Alternate-Day preschool programs must operate for at least the same length of day as the local district’s first grade program. All children must be enrolled in for the full day in each All-Day/Alternate-Day classroom. …

… D. Full-Day Programs

1. Introduction

Legislative language authorizing the Michigan School Readiness Program allows for school-day length programs under certain circumstances. Programs should consult with State Department of Education staff if they are concerned about eligibility for or compliance with the full-day option. "Full-Day" is defined as a program that operates for at least the same length of day as the local District’s first grade program for a minimum of four days per week, 30 consecutive weeks per year and a minimum of 600 adult/child contact hours, with one day per week set aside for parent involvement, staff planning and/or professional development. If the program operates five days per week, staff must have time for planning, professional development and parent involvement. A classroom that offers a full-day program must enroll all children for the full day to be considered a full-day program. An All-Day/Alternate-Day preschool is NOT full-day under this definition.

2. Implementation Requirements

Full-day programs must follow the same guidelines as the Center- Based model. Additional staffing requirements include the necessity of the teaching team, which includes one lead teacher and an associate teacher, remaining the same for the entire day every day that the class is scheduled.

Scope of State’s Responsibility to Provide Preschool:

State Aid (Formula) Grant Program

M.C.L. § 388.1632d.

(1)  [Funds are allocated] for school readiness or preschool and parenting program grants to enable eligible districts, as determined under section 37, to develop or expand . . . comprehensive compensatory programs designed to do 1 or both of the following:

 (a) Improve the readiness and subsequent achievement of educationally disadvantaged children as defined by the department who will be at least 4, but less than 5 years of age, as of December 1 of the school year in which the programs are offered, and who show evidence of 2 or more risk factors as defined in the state board report entitled "children at risk" that was adopted by the state board on April 5, 1988.

 (b) Provide preschool and parenting education programs similar to those under former section 32b as in effect for 2001-2002. Beginning in 2007-2008, funds spent by a district for programs described in this subdivision shall not exceed the lesser of the amount spent by the district under this subdivision for 2006-2007 or the amount spent under this subdivision in any subsequent fiscal year.

(2) A comprehensive free compensatory program funded under this section shall include an age-appropriate educational curriculum, as described in the early childhood standards of quality for prekindergarten children adopted by the state board, that prepares children for success in school, including language, early literacy, and early mathematics. In addition, the comprehensive program shall include nutritional services, health screening for participating children, a plan for parent and legal guardian involvement, and provision of referral services for families eligible for community social services.

M.C.L. § 388.1638. The maximum number of prekindergarten children construed to be in need of special readiness assistance under section 32d shall be calculated for each district in the following manner: one-half of the percentage of the district's pupils in grades 1-5 who are eligible for free lunch . . . shall be multiplied by the average kindergarten enrollment of the district on the pupil membership count day of the 2 immediately preceding years.

Competitive Grant Program

M.C.L. § 388.1632l

(1) … (d) The superintendent shall award the grants and shall give priority for awarding the grants based upon the following criteria:

… (vii) The extent to which these funds will be targeted to children who will be at least 4, but less than 5, years of age as of December 1 of the year in which the programs are offered and who show evidence of 2 or more "at-risk" factors as defined in the state board report entitled "children at risk" that was adopted by the state board on April 5, 1988.

Scope of State's Responsibility to Fund Preschool:

State Aid (Formula) Grant Program

M.C.L. § 388.1632d.

   (1) From the state school aid fund money appropriated under section 11, there is allocated an amount not to exceed $80,900,000.00 for 2007-2008 for school readiness or preschool and parenting program grants to enable eligible districts, as determined under section 37, to develop or expand . . . comprehensive compensatory programs designed to do 1 or both of the following:

   (a) Improve the readiness and subsequent achievement of educationally disadvantaged children as defined by the department who will be at least 4, but less than 5 years of age, as of December 1 of the school year in which the programs are offered, and who show evidence of 2 or more risk factors as defined in the state board report entitled "children at risk" that was adopted by the state board on April 5, 1988.

M.C.L. § 388.1632

If it is determined at the January 2008 revenue estimating conference conducted under section 367b of the management and budget act, 1984 PA 431, MCL 18.1367b, that there is additional state school aid fund revenue beyond that determined at the May 2007 revenue estimating conference, then it is the intent of the legislature to enact legislation that will increase funding, to the extent that revenues are available, so that … section 32d is funded with a total allocation of $83,400,000.00 … In addition, if the total allocation under section 32d is increased to $83,400,000.00 … then it is the intent of the legislature to enact legislation that will increase the per-pupil allocation under section 32l and under section 39 to $3,500.00.

M.C.L. § 388.1638. The maximum number of prekindergarten children construed to be in need of special readiness assistance under section 32d shall be calculated for each district in the following manner: one-half of the percentage of the district's pupils in grades 1-5 who are eligible for free lunch . . . shall be multiplied by the average kindergarten enrollment of the district on the pupil membership count day of the 2 immediately preceding years.

M.C.L. § 388.1639.

(1) The tentative allocation for each fiscal year to each eligible district under section 32d shall be determined by multiplying the number of children determined in section 38 or the number of children the district indicates it will be able to serve under section 37(2)(c), whichever is less, by $3,400.00 and shall be distributed among districts in decreasing order of concentration of eligible children as determined by section 38 until the money allocated in section 32d is distributed.

… (6) For a district that enrolls pupils in a full-day program under section 32d, each child enrolled in the full-day program shall be counted as 2 children served by the program for purposes of determining the number of children to be served and for determining the allocation under section 32d. A district's allocation shall not be increased solely on the basis of providing a full-day program.

Competitive Grant Program

M.C.L. § 388.1632l

(1) From the general fund money appropriated in section 11, there is allocated for 2007-2008 an amount not to exceed $12,650,000.00 for competitive school readiness program grants for the purposes of preparing children for success in school, including language, early literacy, and early mathematics. …

(d) The superintendent shall award the grants and shall give priority for awarding the grants based upon the following criteria:

… (vii) The extent to which these funds will be targeted to children who will be at least 4, but less than 5, years of age as of December 1 of the year in which the programs are offered and who show evidence of 2 or more "at-risk" factors as defined in the state board report entitled "children at risk" that was adopted by the state board on April 5, 1988.

… (3) The superintendent may award grants under this section at whatever level the superintendent determines appropriate. However, the amount of a grant under this section, when combined with other sources of state revenue for this program, shall not exceed $3,400.00 per participating child or the cost of the program, whichever is less.

… (4) For a grant recipient that enrolls pupils in a full-day program funded under this section, each child enrolled in the full-day program shall be counted as 2 children served by the program for purposes of determining the number of children to be served and for determining the amount of the grant award. A grant award shall not be increased solely on the basis of providing a full-day program. As used in this subsection, "full-day program" means a program that operates for at least the same length of day as a district’s first grade program for a minimum of 4 days per week, 30 weeks per year. A classroom that offers a full-day program must enroll all children for the full day to be considered a full-day program.

M.C.L. § 388.1632

If it is determined at the January 2008 revenue estimating conference conducted under section 367b of the management and budget act, 1984 PA 431, MCL 18.1367b, that there is additional state school aid fund revenue beyond that determined at the May 2007 revenue estimating conference, then it is the intent of the legislature to enact legislation that will increase funding, to the extent that revenues are available, so that … section 32l is funded with a total allocation of $13,050,000.00. In addition, if the total allocation under section 32d is increased to $83,400,000.00 and the total allocation under section 32l is increased to $13,050,000.00, then it is the intent of the legislature to enact legislation that will increase the per-pupil allocation under section 32l and under section 39 to $3,500.00.

Source of Funding for Preschool Program:

State Aid (Formula) Grant Program

M.C.L. § 388.1632d.

(1) From the state school aid fund money appropriated under section 11, there is allocated . . . for school readiness or preschool and parenting program grants to enable eligible districts . . . in conjunction with whatever federal funds may be available ... .

M.C.L. § 388.1632

If it is determined at the January 2008 revenue estimating conference conducted under section 367b of the management and budget act, 1984 PA 431, MCL 18.1367b, that there is additional state school aid fund revenue beyond that determined at the May 2007 revenue estimating conference, then it is the intent of the legislature to enact legislation that will increase funding, to the extent that revenues are available, so that … section 32d is funded with a total allocation of $83,400,000.00 … In addition, if the total allocation under section 32d is increased to $83,400,000.00 … then it is the intent of the legislature to enact legislation that will increase the per-pupil allocation under section 32l and under section 39 to $3,500.00.

Competitive Grant Program

M.C.L. § 388.1632l

(1) From the general fund money appropriated in section 11, there is allocated for 2007-2008 an amount not to exceed $12,650,000.00 for competitive school readiness program grants for the purposes of preparing children for success in school, including language, early literacy, and early mathematics. These grants shall be made available through a competitive application process as follows:

(a) Any public or private nonprofit legal entity or agency may apply for a grant under this section. ...

… (d) The superintendent shall award the grants and shall give priority for awarding the grants based upon the following criteria:

… (vi) The extent to which these funds will supplement other federal, state, local, or private funds.

M.C.L. § 388.1632

If it is determined at the January 2008 revenue estimating conference conducted under section 367b of the management and budget act, 1984 PA 431, MCL 18.1367b, that there is additional state school aid fund revenue beyond that determined at the May 2007 revenue estimating conference, then it is the intent of the legislature to enact legislation that will increase funding, to the extent that revenues are available, so that … section 32l is funded with a total allocation of $13,050,000.00. In addition, if the total allocation under section 32d is increased to $83,400,000.00 and the total allocation under section 32l is increased to $13,050,000.00, then it is the intent of the legislature to enact legislation that will increase the per-pupil allocation under section 32l and under section 39 to $3,500.00.

Both Programs

MSRP Implementation Manual:

State aid funds are available for local school districts and public school academies based on a formula allocation... . Public and private non-profit agencies are eligible to apply for competitive funds to provide the MSRP or may subcontract to Districts/public school academies and other non-profit agencies. Formula and competitive grant readiness programs may supplement local federally-funded compensatory education or Head Start programs, but may not supplant such programs.

Scope of Child's Right to Attend Preschool:

State Aid (Formula) Grant Program

M.C.L. § 388.1637

(2) …The preapplication shall include a comprehensive needs assessment and community collaboration plan that includes, but is not limited to, Michigan school readiness and head start providers, and shall identify all of the following:

(a) The estimated total number of children in the community who meet the criteria of section 32d and how that calculation was made.

... (d) The estimated number of children who meet the criteria of section 32d who will remain unserved after the district and community early childhood programs have met their funded enrollments. The school district shall maintain a waiting list of identified unserved eligible children who would be served when openings are available.

Competitive Grant Program

M.C.L. § 388.1632l

(1) … (d) The superintendent shall award the grants and shall give priority for awarding the grants based upon the following criteria:

…(v) Evidence of collaboration with the community of providers in early childhood development programs, including, but not limited to, Michigan school readiness and head start providers, including documentation of the total number of children in the community who would meet the criteria established in subparagraph (vii), and who are being served by other providers, and the number of children who will remain unserved by other community early childhood programs if this program is funded.

Curriculum Content Standards for Preschool Program:

State Aid (Formula) Grant Program

M.C.L. § 388.1637(3). . . . The final application [for approval of funding allocation authorized under M.C.L. § 388.1632d] shall indicate all of the following that apply:

(a) The district complies with the state board approved early childhood standards of quality for prekindergarten.

Competitive Grant Program

M.C.L. § 388.1632l

…(d) The superintendent shall award the grants and shall give priority for awarding the grants based upon the following criteria:

… (i) Compliance with the state board-approved early childhood standards of quality for prekindergarten.

Both Programs

MDE Standards of Quality

Examples from the standards include:

Early Learning in Mathematics
…

2. Early Learning Expectation: Children begin to develop skills of comparing and classifying objects, relationships and events in their environment. …

Children typically:

• 1. Can describe, match, and sort.
• 2. Identify likenesses and differences.
• 3. Can place objects or events in order, according to a given criterion (e.g., color, shape, size, time).
• 4. Recognize that the same group can be sorted and classified in more than one way.
• 5. Can describe why they group or sequence in a particular way.

Teacher Certification/Qualification Standards for Preschool Program:

State Aid (Formula) Grant Program

M.C.L. § 388.1637(3).

(c) The district only employs for this program the following:

(i) Teachers possessing proper training. For programs the district manages itself, a valid teaching certificate and an early childhood (ZA) endorsement are required. This provision does not apply to a district that subcontracts with an eligible child development program. In that situation a teacher must have a valid Michigan teaching certificate with an early childhood (ZA) endorsement, a valid Michigan teaching certificate with a child development associate credential, or a bachelor’s degree in child development with specialization in preschool teaching. However, both of the following apply to this subparagraph:

(A) If a district demonstrates to the department that it is unable to fully comply with this subparagraph after making reasonable efforts to comply, teachers who have significant but incomplete training in early childhood education or child development may be employed by the district if the district provides to the department, and the department approves, a plan for each teacher to come into compliance with the standards in this subparagraph. A teacher’s compliance plan must be completed within 4 years of the date of employment. Progress toward completion of the compliance plan shall consist of at least 2 courses per calendar year.

(B) For a subcontracted program, the department shall consider a teacher with 90 credit hours and at least 4 years’ teaching experience in a qualified preschool program to meet the requirements under this subparagraph.

(ii) Paraprofessionals possessing proper training in early childhood development, including an associate's degree in early childhood education or child development or the equivalent, or a child development associate (CDA) credential, or the equivalent as approved by the state board. However, if a district demonstrates to the department that it is unable to fully comply with this subparagraph after making reasonable efforts to comply, the district may employ paraprofessionals who have completed at least 1 course in early childhood education or child development if the district provides to the department, and the department approves, a plan for each paraprofessional to come into compliance with the standards in this subparagraph. A paraprofessional’s compliance plan must be completed within 2 years of the date of employment. Progress toward completion of the compliance plan shall consist of at least 2 courses or 60 clock hours of training per calendar year.

MSRP Implementation Manual:

The Lead Teacher:

MSRP formula (School Districts/PSAs) grant programs

• has a valid Michigan teaching certificate with an Early Childhood endorsement (ZA)
• for grantees which subcontract with an eligible child development program, a teacher must have a valid Michigan teaching certificate with a ZA or a Bachelor’s Degree in Child Development with specialization in preschool teaching.
• for grantees which subcontract with an eligible child development program, a teacher must have one of the following:
• a valid Michigan Teaching Certificate with a ZA or
• a valid Michigan Teaching Certificate with a current Child Development Associate (CDA) credential, or
• a Bachelor’s Degree in Child Development with specialization in preschool teaching.

Competitive Grant Program

M.C.L. § 388.1632l

(1) … (d) The superintendent shall award the grants and shall give priority for awarding the grants based upon the following criteria:

… (iii) Employment of teachers possessing proper training, including a valid Michigan teaching certificate with an early childhood (ZA) endorsement, a valid Michigan teaching certificate with a child development associate credential (CDA), or a bachelor's degree in child development with a specialization in preschool teaching. However, both of the following apply to this subparagraph:

(A) If an applicant demonstrates to the department that it is unable to fully comply with this subparagraph after making reasonable efforts to comply, the superintendent may still give priority to the applicant if the applicant will employ teachers who have significant but incomplete training in early childhood education or child development if the applicant provides to the department, and the department approves, a plan for each teacher to come into compliance with the standards in this subparagraph. A teacher’s compliance plan must be completed within 4 years of the date of employment. Progress toward completion of the compliance plan shall consist of at least 2 courses per calendar year.

(B) For a subcontracted program, the department shall consider a teacher with 90 credit hours and at least 4 years’ teaching experience in a qualified preschool program to meet the requirements under this subparagraph.

(iv) Employment of paraprofessionals possessing proper training in early childhood development, including an associate's degree in early childhood education or child development or the equivalent, or a child development associate (CDA) credential, or the equivalent, as approved by the state board. If an applicant demonstrates to the department that it is unable to fully comply with this subparagraph, after making reasonable efforts to comply, the superintendent of public instruction may still give priority to an applicant if the applicant will employ paraprofessionals who have completed at least 1 course in early childhood education or child development if the applicant provides to the department, and the department approves, a plan for each paraprofessional to come into compliance with the standards in this subparagraph. A paraprofessional’s compliance plan must be completed within 2 years of the date of employment. Progress toward completion of the compliance plan shall consist of at least 2 courses or 60 clock hours of training per calendar year.

MSRP Implementation Manual:

The Lead Teacher:

MSRP Competitive (Agency) grant programs

• Teachers must have one of the following:
• a valid Michigan teaching certificate with an Early Childhood endorsement (ZA) or
• a valid Michigan teaching certificate with a Child Development Associate (CDA) credential or
• a bachelors degree in child development with specialization in preschool teaching.

Both Programs

MSRP Implementation Manual:

The Associate Teacher

• is added with the ninth child
• must have one of the following:
• a CDA or
• an Associate of Arts Degree in Early Childhood, Preschool Education or Child Development, or
• 120 clock-hours of documented, formal child care education offered by approved training organizations and approved by Michigan Department of Education staff. (Please reference the Professional Training Program Options for Paraprofessionals in the Michigan School Readiness Program at the end of this section.)
• has two years from the date of hire to complete appropriate training, but must have completed at least one formal course in child development when hired.

The Third Staff Person

• is added when the classroom exceeds 16 children, and
• must meet Office of Children and Adult Licensing, Department of Human Services, guidelines as "caregiver."

Other Quality Standards for Preschool Program:

State Aid (Formula) Grant Program

M.C.L. § 388.1637(3). . . . The final application [for approval of funding allocation authorized under M.C.L. § 388.1632d] shall indicate all of the following that apply:

(a) The district complies with the state board approved early childhood standards of quality for prekindergarten.

(b) The district provides for the active and continuous participation of parents or guardians of the children in the program, and describes the district's participation plan as part of the application.

Competitive Grant Program

M.C.L. § 388.1632l

(1) … (d) The superintendent shall award the grants and shall give priority for awarding the grants based upon the following criteria:

(i) Compliance with the state board-approved early childhood standards of quality for prekindergarten.

(ii) Active and continuous involvement of the parents or guardians of the children participating in the program.

Both Programs

MSRP Implementation Manual:

Michigan School Readiness Program grantees must provide for active and continuous participation of parents or guardians of the children in the program.

… Minimum of four family contacts, preferably two home visits and two parent-teacher conferences, are required. When the 2+2 pattern is impossible for a particular family, other arrangements should be made to complete the four contacts.

Class size is not to exceed 18 children.

Adult/Child Ratio:

• 8:1 adult/child ratio.
• Add qualified associate teacher with the ninth child.
• Add third adult with the 17th and 18th child.

Delivery of Preschool Services:

State Aid (Formula) Grant Program

M.C.L. § 388.1632d(4). A district receiving a grant under this section may contract with for-profit or nonprofit preschool center providers that meet all provisions of the early childhood standards of quality for prekindergarten children adopted by the state board for the provision of the comprehensive compensatory program and retain for administrative services an amount equal to not more than 5% of the grant amount. A district may expend not more than 10% of the total grant amount for administration of the program.

M.C.L. § 388.1637

(2) …The preapplication shall include a comprehensive needs assessment and community collaboration plan that includes, but is not limited to, Michigan school readiness and head start providers, and shall identify all of the following:

Competitive Grant Program

M.C.L. § 388.1632l

(1) [The] competitive school readiness program grants … shall be made available through a competitive application process as follows:

(a) Any public or private nonprofit legal entity or agency may apply for a grant under this section. …

… (d) The superintendent shall award the grants and shall give priority for awarding the grants based upon the following criteria:

… (v) Evidence of collaboration with the community of providers in early childhood development programs, including, but not limited to, Michigan school readiness and head start providers, including documentation of the total number of children in the community who would meet the criteria established in subparagraph (vi), and who are being served by other providers, and the number of children who will remain unserved by other community early childhood programs if this program is funded.

… (e) An application shall demonstrate that the program has established or has joined a multidistrict, multiagency school readiness advisory committee that is involved in the planning and evaluation of the program and that provides for the involvement of parents and appropriate community, volunteer, and social service agencies and organizations. ...

Both Programs

MSRP Implementation Manual:

State aid funds are available for local school districts and public school academies based on a formula allocation. Districts/public school academies may provide the Michigan School Readiness Program individually or collaboratively in consortium arrangements. Programs may also be subcontracted to eligible child development agencies. Public and private non-profit agencies are eligible to apply for competitive funds to provide the MSRP or may subcontract to Districts/public school academies and other non-profit agencies. Formula and competitive grant readiness programs may supplement local federally-funded compensatory education or Head Start programs, but may not supplant such programs. Funding for formula and competitive grant school readiness programs, when combined with other sources of state revenue for this program, shall not exceed the current allotment per child or the cost of the program.

School District/PSA: Eligible applicants for Michigan School Readiness Program grants are local school districts and public school academies which have been identified as having concentrations of prekindergarten children in need of special readiness assistance who are not being served by other early childhood development programs operating in the community.

Agency (Competitive): An eligible applicant for a Michigan School Readiness Program grant is any public or private non-profit agency other than a local or intermediate school district except a local or intermediate school district acting as a fiscal agent for a Head Start program.

Requirements for Student Assessment and Program Evaluation:

M.C.L. § 388.1632d.

(3) In addition to the allocation under subsection (1), from the general fund money allocated under section 11, there is allocated an amount not to exceed $279,100.00 for 2007-2008 for a competitive grant to continue a longitudinal evaluation of children who have participated in the Michigan school readiness program.

State Aid (Formula) Grant Program

M.C.L. § 388.1637(3). . . . The final application [for approval of funding allocation authorized under M.C.L. § 388.1632d] shall indicate all of the following that apply:

. . . (e) . . . The [school readiness advisory] committee shall do all of the following:

  . . . (vii) Review, evaluate, and make recommendations to a local school readiness program or programs for changes to the school readiness program.

(f) The district has submitted for departmental approval a plan to conduct and report annual school readiness program evaluations using criteria approved by the department. At a minimum, the evaluations shall include a self-assessment of program quality and assessment of the gains in educational readiness and progress of the children participating in the school readiness program.

Competitive Grant Program

M.C.L. § 388.1632l

(1) … (d) The superintendent shall award the grants and shall give priority for awarding the grants based upon the following criteria:

(ix) The application contains a plan approved by the department to conduct and report annual school readiness program evaluations and continuous improvement plans using criteria approved by the department. At a minimum, the evaluations shall include a self-assessment of program quality and assessment of the gains in educational readiness and progress of the children participating in the program.

     … (e) An application shall demonstrate that the program has established or has joined a multidistrict, multiagency school readiness advisory committee that is involved in the planning and evaluation of the program …

MSRP Implementation Manual:

… The assessment of young children enrolled in the Michigan School Readiness Program must provide information across all of the domains identified in the Michigan Early Childhood Standards of Quality for Prekindergarten (ECSQPK): social and emotional development, intellectual development, language and early literacy development, creative development, and physical development and health as well as early learning in math, science, social studies and using technology.

MSRP grantees must use a research validated tool for child assessment. One comprehensive tool is required. Teaching teams will need to be provided professional development opportunities in the selected assessment tool. Child assessment must be authentic, must be reflected on in a systematic way, and must be linked to the research validated curriculum of choice.

Assessment data should be collected three times per year. Child learning and developmental outcomes focus on results or outcomes for individual children. Developmental profiles are shared individually with parents and inform daily classroom practice. Data is also aggregated program-wide to provide information for program improvement and accountability.

Some programs may choose to supplement their comprehensive child assessment tool with additional assessments to generate further information in a specific domain such as language/literacy or social-emotional. Any additional assessment selected needs to meet the essential components of appropriate assessment as indicated below. ...